Senior Buyer

Ballard Power Systems; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health & dental

Employee assistance program

Paid time off

Retirement plan matching

Onsite fitness & yoga

Learning and development

Mentorship programs

Job summary

Ballard Power Systems in Burnaby, BC is seeking a Senior Buyer to act as the commercial interface with strategic global suppliers across complex commodities. You’ll ensure supply continuity, optimize inventory, and manage total cost of ownership across multiple facilities and product lines.

You will support new product development and ongoing production of hydrogen fuel cell engines, working cross-functionally with Planning, Quality, Engineering, Finance, Operations, and Product Development in a

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Engineering, Business, Commerce, or related discipline.
• Professional procurement accreditation (CIPS, SCMP, CPSM) is preferred.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing or senior purchasing roles.
• Manufacturing experience in complex, engineered, or multi-component environments is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience managing global suppliers and technically complex commodities.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Creative problem solver with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity.
• Effective negotiator with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the commercial lead and primary interface for assigned strategic global suppliers across complex and multi-category commodities.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to ensure supply continuity, competitive total cost of ownership, and long-term supplier performance.
• Manage a diversified portfolio of technically complex materials to support both Program and Production objectives.
• Drive On-Time Delivery (OTD) performance by reviewing ERP/MRP signals and demand forecasts, executing purchase orders, and optimizing inventory levels and working capital.
• Negotiate and implement supply agreements, including pricing, payment terms, logistics terms, warranties, and risk allocation.
• Lead cross-functional supplier selection activities, including RFQs, supplier audits, technical evaluations, and Supplier Scorecard performance reviews.
• Maintain deep knowledge of supplier capabilities, capacity constraints, financial health, and geopolitical exposure.
• Proactively identify, communicate, and mitigate potential supply interruptions or risks.
• Partner with Product Development teams from early concept stages to assess cost drivers, manufacturability, supply risk, and feasibility.
• Drive supplier performance improvement initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement of procurement policies and governance.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

ERP/MRP systems

Negotiation

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Post-secondary degree in Engineering, Business, Commerce, or related discipline

Procurement accreditation (CIPS/SCMP/CPSM) preferred

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Join our mission for a sustainable future

If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact, working with us offers a unique opportunity to be part of a passionate team dedicated to transforming the future of zero-emission energy and protecting our planet. Our commitment to sustainability fuels our global team’s enthusiasm every day, creating an inspiring work environment where innovative ideas thrive.

We believe in empowering exceptional individuals by providing challenging, rewarding, and sustainable career paths that align with our purpose of Here for life™. Join us to not only advance your career but also contribute to a mission that truly matters.

Who are we

Number of employees

800+

74%

All data is as of Dec 31, 2023

Women in senior leadership

40%

All data is as of Dec 31, 2023

Employees identifying as a racialized group

48%

All data is as of Dec 31, 2023

Living our Values

At our company, our core values of Listen and Deliver, Quality Always, Inspire Excellence, Rowing Together, and Own It, are more than just words; they guide our actions and define our culture.

To recognize those who exemplify these values, we celebrate individuals and teams who consistently demonstrate our core principles. Through awards, recognition programs, and personal shout-outs, we honour those who inspire others, contribute to quality, and collaborate effectively. By highlighting these role models, we reinforce our commitment to living our values every day and encourage a culture of excellence throughout the organization.

There are numerous ways to join us at Ballard. We offer a variety of job opportunities that can accommodate your studies, including internships, summer placements, and co-operative programs with local universities. Additionally, you can join our team after completing your education, starting in an entry‑level position.

As a professional at Ballard, you will have the opportunity to drive change and bring your innovative ideas to life. We provide you with the resources and support necessary to excel in your role, empowering you to leverage your unique perspective to grow beyond boundaries and create a positive impact on the world, our business, and our team.

You Belong Here: Building an Inclusive Company Culture

At Ballard, we believe a truly inclusive workplace is where people thrive.

Our culture is built on inclusion, collaboration, and empowerment—because we know that people do their best work when they feel heard, valued, and supported.

We’re committed to building teams that reflect a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

At Ballard, individuals are encouraged to share their unique viewpoints, collaborate openly, and drive innovation that makes a real difference. This richness of perspective helps us solve complex problems and build sustainable energy solutions.

Our journey toward a more inclusive culture is ongoing, but the goal is clear:

Create a workplace where everyone feels they belong, where their contributions matter, and where they can make a lasting impact—on our company, our communities, and the planet.

Looking for a company where you can grow your career and help shape a cleaner future?

At Ballard, we’re not just here for business—we’re Here For Life™ powering progress, amplifying voices, and building a better tomorrow together.

Search for open positions

Position:Senior Buyer

Location: Burnaby, British Columbia

Job Id:2303

# of Openings:0

About the Role

Ballard’s Supply Chain Group has an immediate opening for a Senior Buyer.

This role serves as the primary commercial interface between Ballard and a portfolio of strategic global suppliers across complex and multi-category commodities. The position ensures reliable supply, optimized inventory, and competitive total cost structures across multiple manufacturing facilities and product lines.

You will be accountable for on-time delivery (OTD) of critical and technically complex materials while balancing supply risk, inventory turns, working capital, and total cost of ownership.

This role plays a key part in supporting both new product development and ongoing production of hydrogen fuel cell engines, working cross‑functionally with Planning, Quality, Engineering, Finance, Operations, and Product Development in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the commercial lead and primary interface for assigned strategic global suppliers across complex and multi-category commodities
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to ensure supply continuity, competitive total cost of ownership, and long-term supplier performance
• Manage a diversified portfolio of technically complex materials to support both Program and Production objectives
• Drive On-Time Delivery (OTD) performance by reviewing ERP/MRP signals and demand forecasts, executing purchase orders, and optimizing inventory levels and working capital
• Negotiate and implement supply agreements, including pricing, payment terms, logistics terms, warranties, and risk allocation
• Lead cross-functional supplier selection activities, including RFQs, supplier audits, technical evaluations, and Supplier Scorecard performance reviews
• Maintain deep knowledge of supplier capabilities, capacity constraints, financial health, and geopolitical exposure
• Proactively identify, communicate, and mitigate potential supply interruptions or risks
• Partner with Product Development teams from early concept stages to assess cost drivers, manufacturability, supply risk, and feasibility
• Drive supplier performance improvement initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement of procurement policies and governance

Qualifications & Experience

• Post-secondary degree in Engineering, Business, Commerce, or related discipline
• Professional procurement accreditation (e.g., CIPS, SCMP, CPSM) is preferred
• 6+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and or senior purchasing roles
• Manufacturing experience in complex, engineered, or multi-component environments (automotive, industrial equipment, energy systems, or similar) is highly desirable
• Demonstrated experience managing global suppliers and technically complex commodities
• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines
• Comfortable operating in a fast paced, changing environment
• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen
• Results-driven with a high sense of ownership and urgency
• Analytical and disciplined, with strong data integrity mindset
• Creative problem solver with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity
• Effective negotiator with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders
• Strong verbal and written communication skills — clear, structured, and decisive

The typical hiring range for this position is $75,000 - $93,800. Ballard considers many factors in determining total compensation, including the successful Candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, experience, position location, and internal equity. As part of our total rewards offering, permanent employees in this position may be eligible for our competitive annual short-term and long-term bonus program, subject to program eligibility requirements.
As a Ballard employee, we want you to feel valued and appreciated for your efforts. That’s why we offer a competitive benefits package in addition to a performance-driven compensation philosophy. From bonuses to benefits, our people work hard, and we believe they should be rewarded for it. We care about career growth and development. We believe in work-life balance with tons of flexibility and rewarding benefits.

• Extended health and dental benefits and employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan matching
• Onsite fitness facility & yoga classes
• Extensive learning opportunities, catalogue of development course offerings
• People networks and mentorship programs (to name a few)

Note: The incentive programs, benefits, and perks have specific eligibility requirements. The Company reserves the right to alter these incentive programs, benefits, and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.
Our Values
Listen & Deliver | Quality. Always. | Inspire Excellence | Row Together | Own It
Ballard values diversity in the workplace and is committed to Employment Equity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.